The Best Blackjack Betting Strategies
Employing the best blackjack betting strategy not only helps with your approach to the game but also boosts your decision-making. In this guide, we’ll look at different blackjack strategies and how they help in managing bets.
Covered in this guide:
- Flat betting systems
- Progressive betting systems
- Regressive betting systems
- 1-3-2-6 system
- 1-3-2-4 system
- 2-1-2 system
- Martingale system
- 1-2-3-5 system
- Oscar’s grind
- Paroli
- D’Alembert
The types of betting systems
Whether you’re playing blackjack at an online or physical casino, the strategy used is essentially the same. You must consider the dealer’s hand, alongside your own, as this will inform your move within the game. However, betting systems are important too, paying more attention to your approach with your stakes.
It’s worthwhile mastering the best betting strategy blackjack has to offer as it enables you to make the optimal decisions. For instance, you could employ the flat betting system, where you wager the same amount regardless of your wins or losses; or you could adjust your wager amount based on whether you won or lost the previous round, as with progressive or regressive betting systems.
Note that no blackjack betting system guarantees wins. Instead, these systems offer a more structured approach to betting to avoid chasing losses and rising stake amounts that get out of hand.
Flat betting systems
Ideal for saving your bankroll for longer, flat betting involves setting a fixed wager amount for every bet placed on a blackjack table. This approach dictates that you maintain the same bet size throughout your playing session.
Progressive betting systems
This is a form of betting system in blackjack that is based on raising your bet size each time a win occurs. As these systems are progressive, they are considered to be more risky as your stakes can rise quickly if wins occur consecutively.
Regressive betting systems
A negative regressive betting strategy in blackjack is the direct opposite of the positive progressive system. Here, you raise your bet each time you lose. The idea is to bounce back to 0 or, even better, move slightly higher. Regressive betting systems are based upon a win occurring, even though there is no guarantee a win will happen which is one of the limitations of this type of betting system.
1-3-2-6 system
A type of positive progressive betting system, the 1-3-2-6 approach seeks to maximise wins while managing those unavoidable losing bets. You start by wagering with one chip on the first bet, and if you win, you wager on three chips for the second bet. If both bets win, you wager on two chips on the third bet and then six on the fourth. If you lose any of the bets in this sequence, you reset the cycle and begin with the first step again. As one of the less risky betting strategies, the 1-3-2-6 method also comes with its flaws – one being that it relies on consecutive wins.
1-3-2-4 system
The 1-3-2-4 system is another way to keep your downswings at a minimum. This blackjack betting strategy lets you hold on to your wins by starting off small and increasing the stakes. You start by placing a bet size of one chip. If you win that round, you increase the stakes to three chips. After those two consecutive wins, you bet on two chips, and then four on your fourth hand. If you lose on any of your four hands, you simply go back to the starting bet size.
2-1-2 system
Also known as the Manhattan, perhaps because 212 is the Manhattan area code, the 2-1-2 approach aims to hedge your risk in blackjack. It begins with you setting a betting unit. From there, your first hand is two units. If it wins, the second hand is one unit, hence reducing leverage in case you lose. However, if you win the second hand, increase the stakes in the third hand by wagering two units. Lose and stop playing or start over by wagering two units. This progressive betting system is pretty easy to learn as it only involves three wagers.
Martingale
The Martingale is a well-known regressive betting system where you double the chips after you lose and maintain the same bet size after a win. The idea is that the first win should cover the subsequent losses while placing you one unit ahead. Due to the aggressive nature of the system, there’s a likelihood of hitting bigger downswings, especially if losses are consecutive. What’s more, you may hit the table’s maximum bet limit, which destroys the purpose of the strategy.
1-2-3-5 system
As with any other blackjack increasing bet strategy, this approach entails increasing your winning hand by 1, 2, 3 and 5. If you encounter a loss, you start the progression over at one unit. Of course, you won’t know when those four successive wins will occur, so it’s best to use this system with caution. The idea is that your wins cover the losing bets.
Oscar’s grind
Exclusive for even-money wagers, Oscar’s grind aims to help you play with smaller stakes. The goal is to win just one unit. After each win, you increase the stake by one more unit. However, if you register a loss, the bet size remains the same as the previous one. There is one main rule in this system: never place a wager that would result in winning more than a unit. That way, you avoid over-risking what you need to achieve a single unit win.
Paroli
Also known as ‘Let it Ride’ or ‘reverse Martingale’, the Paroli system is a basic method. You double your wager after each win and maintain the same size after a loss.
Paroli in blackjack suggests that there’s a connection between two rounds. However, each event is random and independent from the other. Wins are never guaranteed within blackjack, which is what limits this strategy.
D’Alembert
The D’Alembert approach is a more complex regressive betting system. You add one unit to your previous losing stake and reduce one unit from a previous winning bet. The D’Alembert sequence works best when you have even odds.
What is the best blackjack betting strategy?
While understanding the basic blackjack betting strategy is crucial, mastering additional betting systems can further add to your gameplay.
However, note that these systems are not a one-size-fits-all. For instance, flat betting can be more suited for one person than another. If you’re looking for more of an aggressive approach, there is the Paroli or Martingale, as they employ more structured tactics. D’Alembert is more suited to those who prefer a more balanced approach.
Why you might consider a betting system for playing blackjack
Your wins become more valuable, and your downswings become more manageable when you employ a strategy, rather than placing bets randomly. A blackjack betting system enables you to make better decisions and analyse and adjust your blackjack play in the best way possible.